At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse and optimise UAV airframes, focusing on lightweight structures and composites.
- Company: Join a dynamic aerospace team dedicated to innovative aircraft development.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience and work on real engineering challenges.
- Other info: Collaborate with a small, skilled team and tackle exciting engineering problems.
- Why this job: Take ownership of projects and influence design from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering and experience with FEA tools.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Structural Analysis Engineer to work on advanced UAV airframes, focusing on lightweight structures, composites, and full airframe structural integrity.
This role is ideal for someone who wants real ownership, works comfortably across disciplines, and enjoys early-stage aircraft development.
- What you’ll work on
- Define and analyse airframe load cases (maneuvre, gust, landing, propulsion, inertial)
- Perform global and local FEA on wings, centre bodies, booms, mounts, and joints
- Conduct stress, deflection, stiffness, and buckling analysis
- Carry out composite laminate and sandwich panel analysis
- Evaluate margins of safety and reserve factors
- Support fatigue, durability, and damage tolerance assessments (concept–preliminary level)
- Perform modal and vibration analysis to avoid resonance issues
- Support thermal–structural effects from motors, batteries, and environment
- Work closely with design, aero, performance, and systems teams to influence structure early
- Support structural optimisation for weight vs strength
- Contribute to test correlation and design iteration
- Produce clear, review-ready analysis documentation
- What we’re looking for
- Degree in Aerospace / Mechanical Engineering (or similar)
- Strong fundamentals in aircraft structures
- Hands‑on experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, etc.)
- Understanding of composite structures and lightweight design
- Comfortable working with CAD geometry and evolving designs
- Able to think beyond tools and apply engineering judgement
- Nice to have
- Experience with UAVs or small aircraft
- Exposure to composites manufacturing or testing
- Experience working on early‑stage aerospace programmes
- Why join us
- High technical ownership
- Work across the full design lifecycle
- Small, sharp engineering team
- Real engineering problems, not siloed tasks
It is mandatory for the candidate to hold a valid UK visa for this role.
We do not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
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Structural Analysis Engineer - UAV (6-month Contract) in Milton Keynes employer: Defy Aerospace
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Structural Analysis Engineer, where you'll have the opportunity to take high technical ownership of your work on cutting-edge UAV airframes. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and cross-disciplinary engagement, ensuring that you are not just another cog in the machine but a vital contributor to real engineering challenges. Located in a vibrant area, we offer a supportive environment for professional growth, making this an excellent place for those looking to advance their careers in aerospace engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Structural Analysis Engineer - UAV (6-month Contract) in Milton Keynes
✨Tap into Aerospace Communities
Join aerospace engineering forums and social media groups. These spaces are often buzzing with opportunities, and you'll get to know industry pros who can give insider tips on temporary roles at places like Defy Aerospace.
✨Be Ready for Seasonal Hiring
Keep an eye out for seasonal hiring windows when big projects ramp up. Many companies in aerospace will bring in temporary staff for peak times, so it’s worth checking back regularly for opportunities at places like Defy Aerospace.
✨Showcase Your Skills at Events
Attend industry events or job fairs focused on aerospace; these can be great places to meet recruiters and hiring managers face-to-face. Bring your A-game, and don’t hesitate to mention your interest in temporary positions.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you find temp roles listed on our website, apply directly! It shows you're genuinely interested in the position at Defy Aerospace and makes it easier for their team to spot your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Structural Analysis Engineer - UAV (6-month Contract) in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a temporary role in aerospace engineering, make sure to highlight any relevant projects you've worked on. Include details about your role, the technologies or methodologies used, and the impact of your work. This not only demonstrates your hands-on experience but also your understanding of the field.
Tailor Your CV to Engineering Standards:Your CV should follow industry conventions, so make sure it's structured to showcase your technical skills, like CAD software or simulation tools. Also, include any certifications relevant to aerospace engineering, as these can make a strong impression on Defy Aerospace.
Inject Some Personality into Your Cover Letter:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see why you're excited about this opportunity with Defy Aerospace. Let your personality shine through your cover letter, perhaps by discussing why aerospace engineering fascinates you or sharing a project that ignited your passion. We want to see your motivation and enthusiasm!
Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills:Aerospace engineering often involves collaboration, so be sure to showcase your teamwork and communication skills in your written application. Use examples that demonstrate how you've effectively worked with others, especially in high-pressure situations, as this will resonate well with Defy Aerospace.
How to prepare for a job interview at Defy Aerospace
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given you're aiming for a role in aerospace engineering, make sure you’re clear on key principles relevant to the role. Expect to tackle questions about materials, aerodynamics, and engineering principles. Revisit any projects or concepts you’ve studied, especially those that highlight problem-solving in design processes.
✨Showcase Relevant Projects in Your Portfolio
Even for a temporary role, it's crucial to present any relevant aerospace projects you’ve worked on. We should be ready to discuss the tools you used, the methodology behind your designs, and the specific outcomes. It's your chance to showcase not just your skills but also your passion for engineering.
✨Understand the Temporary Nature of the Role
Since this is a temporary position, we want to be prepared to discuss how we can quickly add value to the team. Be ready to articulate what you can bring to the company during this short-term engagement and show eagerness to learn and adapt quickly within the environment at Defy Aerospace.
✨Prepare for Practical Technical Assessments
Expect potential technical assessments where you might need to solve engineering problems or even design a small project on the spot. We should practice common scenarios that could arise in aerospace to demonstrate our hands-on ability, whether it's through CAD software or analytical thinking.
